Tuning up the engine on your Companion generator
- Gather the supplies that you'll need such as oil, drain pan, air filter, spark plug, tools and personal protective equipment.
- Position the generator on a level surface in a well-ventilated area.
- Position the oil drain pan under the oil drain plug then remove the oil drain plug to drain the engine's oil. Reinstall the oil drain plug after the oil drains and wipe up any spilled oil. Dispose of the used oil properly. Refill the engine with fresh oil.
- Replace the air filter and spark plug.
- Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes then recheck oil level and add oil if needed.
Troubleshooting the engine on your Companion generator when the engine runs rough
If your generator engine cuts out, smokes, idles poorly, vibrates or runs erratically, it could need a good tune-up to replace the spark plug, oil and air filter. Or the problem could be with the generator engine's fuel system. Rebuild or replace the carburetor if the engine isn't getting a good supply of fuel.
If the engine misfires, backfires, sputters or jerks the starter rope out of your hand when you try to start it, the flywheel key could be broken. A broken flywheel key disrupts the ignition timing because the magnets aren't passing the ignition coil in synchronization with piston movement. Replace the flywheel key if it's damaged or broken.